William D. Denney
American governor of Delaware (1873-1953)
William duHamel Denney (March 31, 1873 – November 21, 1953) was an American businessman and politician from Dover, in Kent County, Delaware. He was a veteran of World War I and member of the Republican Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as Governor of Delaware.
Early life and family
Denney was born near Dover, Delaware, son of William and Anna DuHamel Denney. He married Alice Godwin on October 27, 1917, and they had two children, Alice and Anne. They lived at 201 Williams Street in Dover and were members of Christ Episcopal Church. Denney attended the Wesleyan Collegiate Institute in Dover.
Professional and political career
He made his professional career in the insurance business, becoming the General Agent of the Hartford Insurance Company in 1908 and was a partner in the W. Charles Boyer's Dover Insurance Agency. During World War I he left his job and served in the U.S. Army. Rising to the rank of first lieutenant, he was ordered to go to France, but three times had the orders cancelled, and never went.
Governor of Delaware
Denney served one term in the Delaware House of Representatives, during the 1905-06 session, and was chosen as Speaker.
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